Nestled in the southern tip of Hokkaido, Hakodate is a city blessed with coastal charm, maritime heritage, and a reputation for having some of Japan’s freshest seafood. With its bustling morning markets, revered local dishes, and unforgettable culinary experiences, Hakodate offers a gastronomic journey like no other. Below, we explore the best seafood markets and must-try local eateries that make this city a paradise for food lovers.
Hakodate Morning Market (Hakodate Asaichi): The Seafood Mecca
Located just a stone’s throw from Hakodate Station, the Hakodate Morning Market is the beating heart of the city’s seafood culture. Spanning over 300 stalls, this vibrant market is open from dawn until early afternoon and offers a staggering array of ocean-fresh delicacies.
Must-Try Delicacies at the Morning Market
- Uni (Sea Urchin): Revered for its creamy texture and rich umami flavor, Hakodate’s uni is harvested fresh from the surrounding waters.
- Ika (Squid): The city’s signature seafood. Order it as ika-somen, thinly sliced raw squid served like cold noodles, or try the live squid fishing experience on-site.
- Kaisen-don (Seafood Rice Bowl): Customize your own bowl with generous cuts of sashimi atop vinegared rice. Options typically include salmon, ikura (salmon roe), scallops, crab, and tuna.
- Hokkaido Snow Crab: Sweet, succulent, and typically served steamed, grilled, or in miso soup.
Don’t miss the live seafood tanks, where customers can handpick shellfish, sea cucumbers, and even octopuses. Most vendors offer quick preparation and dining spots, making it easy to indulge on the go.
Donburi Yokocho: The Local Gourmet Alley
Adjacent to the morning market is Donburi Yokocho, a narrow lane lined with eateries that specialize in seafood donburi and other traditional fare. The restaurants here are known for their generous portions, quality ingredients, and decades-old family recipes.
Top Recommendations in Donburi Yokocho
- Kikuyo Shokudo: Famous for its three-colored donburi, featuring uni, ikura, and crab. The warm hospitality and fast service make it a top pick for locals and tourists alike.
- Ebisuya Shokudo: Offers grilled mackerel set meals and spicy cod roe rice bowls. Their miso soup made with red king crab legs is particularly noteworthy.
Freshness Personified: Ika Odori-don Experience
Unique to Hakodate is the Ika Odori-don, or “dancing squid bowl.” This dish features a freshly prepared squid served whole on a bowl of rice, with soy sauce poured over to cause a post-mortem muscular reaction, making the squid “dance.” While slightly macabre to some, this is a true showcase of culinary freshness and is a popular attraction for adventurous eaters.
Local Markets Beyond Asaichi
While Hakodate Asaichi dominates the culinary scene, other smaller markets and specialty stores offer equally enthralling experiences.
Nakajima Renbai Market
A local favorite, this market is more community-driven and less tourist-centric. Vendors here provide affordable produce, handmade pickles, marinated seafood, and rare local seaweeds. The atmosphere is authentic, with generations-old vendors sharing stories as they serve.
Ekini Market
Specializing in seasonal seafood, this market becomes lively in late autumn when Hokkaido hairy crab (kegani) is in peak season. The crabs are flash-boiled on-site and offered with lemon or dipping sauces. Many shops offer indoor seating and Japanese-style breakfast sets.
Historic Flavors at Hakodate Bay Area Restaurants
Beyond the markets, the Hakodate Bay Area presents a blend of culinary innovation and historic charm. Many of the red brick warehouses have been converted into gourmet restaurants, craft breweries, and elegant cafés.
Uomura Restaurant
Known for serving traditional kaiseki-style dinners, Uomura focuses on seasonal seafood prepared with minimal seasoning to highlight natural flavors. Steamed abalone, grilled Hokke (Atka mackerel), and miso-glazed cod are menu highlights.
Lucky Pierrot – The Local Fast Food Legend
While not seafood-focused, no culinary tour of Hakodate is complete without visiting Lucky Pierrot, a quirky burger chain native to the city. Their Chinese Chicken Burger, featuring sweet and savory fried chicken with mayonnaise, is a cultural staple.
Food Culture Festivals and Seasonal Delicacies
Hakodate’s love for seafood is also celebrated through its numerous food festivals. The Hakodate Seafood Festival, held every October, offers live cooking shows, free tastings, and fresh-catch auctions. Winter brings a rich variety of hotpots and broths, like Ishikari-nabe, made with salmon, tofu, and Hokkaido vegetables in miso broth.
Seafood Souvenirs and Local Specialties to Take Home
Hakodate offers a wide selection of vacuum-packed, dried, and marinated seafood products for travelers looking to savor the taste of Hokkaido back home.
Top Souvenir Picks
- Shio-Kara (Salted Fermented Seafood): A bold, acquired taste, ideal for adventurous palates.
- Dried Squid and Scallops: Perfect for snacking or pairing with sake.
- Kaisendon Kits: Freeze-dried packs of sashimi and vinegared rice ready to assemble at home.
Tips for Enjoying Hakodate’s Seafood Scene
- Go Early: Markets are busiest and freshest between 5:00 AM and 9:00 AM.
- Cash is King: Many smaller stalls don’t accept cards. Have yen ready.
- Learn a Few Phrases: Basic Japanese greetings and words like “oishii” (delicious) go a long way.
- Respect Market Etiquette: Avoid touching products without asking, and eat only in designated areas.
Conclusion: A Culinary Gem on Japan’s Northern Shores
With its rich marine bounty, deeply rooted food traditions, and vibrant markets, Hakodate stands as a beacon of seafood excellence in Japan. Whether you’re exploring the lively aisles of Asaichi, savoring a warm meal in Donburi Yokocho, or discovering local flavors in the quieter corners of the city, every bite tells a story of ocean, culture, and craftsmanship.